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ATV Safety for Children

ATVs are common on farms and appealing to children. They are also heavy, fast and unforgiving, and the safest approach for children is to follow official guidance closely.

Why are ATVs a concern for children?

ATVs are heavy and can roll over, and a child may not have the size, strength or judgment to control one. A vehicle that handles well for an adult can be too much for a young rider.

Many manufacturers state clearly that adult-sized ATVs are not for children, and that a rider should be of a suitable age and size. Read the owner's manual and the warning labels.

NIOSH and other health bodies publish current information on ATV injuries. Check their pages. Rollovers are a recognized problem with ATVs, and they can happen on gentle slopes and at low speeds. A child cannot be expected to recover from one without help.

What do the official sources say about children?

Pediatric and safety organizations have made recommendations about children and ATVs, and some states have laws that set age and training requirements. These vary, so confirm what applies in your state with your state agency.

Do not rely on a relative's memory or on what was common years ago. Rules and recommendations have changed.

The manufacturer's manual and warning labels set age guidance for each model. Look at your state's agency for natural resources or motor vehicles, which often publishes the rules for youth riders. These can include training or supervision requirements.

• Read the owner's manual and labels
• Check state laws and agencies
• Follow current pediatric and safety recommendations
• Do not rely on past habit

What about riding as a passenger?

Most ATVs are designed for one rider. Carrying a passenger changes balance and control and can make a rollover more likely. Do not allow children to ride as passengers unless the manufacturer's manual says the model is designed for it.

Even then, ask whether it is wise. A child on the back is at risk if the driver loses control.

Make the rule simple: one rider per seat that the manufacturer provides. If your child rides at someone else's home, ask the same questions there. Sharing your rules with relatives and neighbors is part of keeping children safe.

What training is available?

Hands-on rider training courses exist for youth and adults. Ask your extension office, your state agency or a dealer about courses in your area. Training does not make a vehicle safe for a child who is too small, but it can teach good habits to those who are suitable riders.

Do not substitute watching a video for a hands-on course.

Training should be repeated, and supervision should continue after a course. Choose a course that includes hands-on riding practice with a qualified instructor and take it seriously. Ask about the minimum age and size the course sets.

How should riding be supervised?

An adult should be present and in view whenever a child rides, if the child is old and big enough to ride at all. Set clear boundaries on where riding is allowed. Keep riding away from roads, water, steep slopes and livestock.

Check the vehicle before each use for condition, and make sure it is the right model for the rider.

Do not allow riding after dark or in bad weather unless an instructor says otherwise. Keep ATVs locked or with the key removed when not in use, so children cannot start them alone. A child who is not allowed to ride may still try when no adult is around.

What about helmets and clothing?

A helmet designed for the type of riding, along with sturdy footwear, eye protection, gloves and long sleeves and pants, is commonly recommended. Specifics on helmet type and fit come from the manufacturer and from official safety organizations, so check them.

Make sure protective gear fits properly and is replaced when damaged. Do not use hand-me-down helmets that may have been in a crash.

Adults should wear gear too, to set the example. Set an example by following the same rules yourself, including wearing a helmet every time. Children notice and copy what adults do, more than what they say.

What if there is a crash?

Call 911 for any serious injury, and for any head injury or loss of consciousness. Do not move the rider unless the dispatcher says to. Stay with the child and keep others away from the vehicle.

Take a first aid course from a recognized provider like the American Red Cross. Hands-on training teaches what an article cannot.

After any crash, even if the child seems fine, ask a doctor to check them. Talk with your child after any scare. Ask what happened and how to avoid it next time, without blame. A child who feels safe talking will tell you about close calls.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.